I'm very fortunate to say that one of my songwriting partners is none other than Randy Sherwyn from Sunny 106.3 WJPT in Fort Myers, Florida. Randy also happens to be the creator of the most popular Christmas music program in the world called "Christmas Across the Lands". As a result of being heard on American Forces Network for our military, the program is now heard in 177 countries across the world. Here is an excerpt from a recent WJPT press release:
"Randy Sherwyn, Program Director for Beasley Broadcast’s Sunny 106.3 WJPT-FM and 106.3 HD2 Solid Gold 106, will host the 14th annual “Christmas Across the Lands,” a 12-hour radio Christmas show that airs mainly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in markets across the globe. Locally, “Christmas Across the Lands” will be broadcast on Sunny 106 WJPT-FM beginning Christmas Eve Morning at 9:00 a.m. and will then run for 24 hours during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It will also air on Beasley Broadcast Southwest Florida sister station B103.9 WXKB-FM starting at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve."
"Originating thirteen years ago as a heartfelt gift and tribute to our troops stationed overseas, as well as a holiday companion for all, “Christmas Across the Lands” is written, produced, and hosted by Randy Sherwyn. With Beasley Broadcast since 1991, Mr. Sherwyn updates and freshens the show every year, and once again “Christmas Across the Lands” for 2013 is an updated mix of music and interviews. New interviews include Richard Marx, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, B.J. Thomas, even Betty Lynn (aka Thelma Lou from “The Andy Griffith Show”) talking about that famous Andy Griffith Christmas episode."
You can stream "Christmas Across the Lands" both on Christmas Eve and Christmas by visiting Sunny 106.3 and clicking on the "Listen Live" link at the top.
I've written many songs over the years, but one of the most touching songs I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of was "Pretty Please Mister Santa". Fort Myers Sunny 106 DJ & Program Director Randy Sherwyn brought the lyrics to me in mid-2010 and when the writing and recording were done we both knew we had something very special. To date, two versions of the song have been recorded and here is a YouTube link to "Pretty Please Mister Santa" by Kris Ballerini:
That's all for this week folks - I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a most joyous New Year 2014!
~Vincent James
